Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

A Peaceful Parting
Read 1 Samuel 26:1-25

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

Everybody dies and sometimes death comes when we least expect it. In some cases friends and family of the dead are stricken with guilt because, sadly, the last time they met they had quarreled. Given a chance to turn back the clock, they would definitely choose a peaceful parting. Saul had a love-hate relationship with David and they had met several times in battle. This, finally, was their last encounter.

Saul and David had parted as friends earlier (24:16-22). But all it took was a little provocation from the Ziphites to turn Saul against David again (v 1). Ziphite types still exist. They turn friends into foes in the hope of some gain for themselves. Don’t be like Saul and don’t listen to them.

Unlike Saul, David did not listen to his friend, Abishai, who could not wait to kill Saul (v 8). David had full confidence in God to deal with his enemies. But he wanted Saul to be aware of his wrongdoings. To awaken the sleeping Saul, he chided Abner loudly for being such a poor bodyguard (vs 15-16). When Saul overheard David speaking, he was deeply moved. He realised that, again, David had spared his life. And when Saul heard the litany of sufferings David said he had inflicted on him, Saul repented and even requested that David return with him (vs 17-21). Aware that he was unlikely to do so, Saul wished him well with these parting words: “May you be blessed, my son David; you will do great things and surely triumph” (26:25).

It was a peaceful parting.

Is there someone with whom you have an unresolved conflict? If there is, then ask God for wisdom and put things right as soon as possible. Or we may be taking our loved ones for granted. Show your appreciation to them before it is too late.